News

Ice Safety at Tuttle Creek Lake

Posted: 07 Jan 2009
Icy Conditions Can Spawn Dangerous Situations at Tuttle Creek Lake

MANHATTAN, Kans. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake is encouraging winter time recreationists to take extreme caution with the present icy conditions.
Much of the lake now has a cover of ice on it that may look inviting. But there is no such thing as 100 per cent safe ice.
The thickness of ice of the lake depends on depth, water currents and springs, and natural objects such as tree stumps and rocks. Daily changes in temperature cause the ice to expand and contract, which affects its strength. Because of these factors, no one can declare the ice to be absolutely safe. There is always a risk of falling through the ice.
Some iced-in areas are thinner than others, and appearance alone is a poor indicator of "safe" ice. Currently the risk is high due to the ice being thin on much of the lake.
If you are going to be out around the lake for any reason use common sense and practice ice safety. One should never go alone. Avoid use of alcohol, since it increases your chances for hypothermia. And if using a boat for hunting, always wear a lifejacket.
It is important to know the risks associated with icy lake conditions. It can make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a tragic accident resulting in injury or death. The only safe ice is at a skating arena!

Road Detour in River Pond State Park at Tuttle Creek Lake

Posted: 02 Oct 2007
MANHATTAN, Kan. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Tuttle Creek Lake announced an upcoming road detour, affecting traffic into the River Pond Area of Tuttle Creek State Park.

The west entrance to the River Pond Area will be closed Monday, Oct. 8, 2007. The park will continue to be open, but all traffic will be required to use the park's existing east entrance accessible from the east end of Tuttle Creek Dam. Detour signs directing River Pond park users from U.S. Highway 24 (Tuttle Creek Blvd.) and Kansas Highway 13 (atop the dam) will be erected.

The River Pond Area of Tuttle Creek State Park is a popular recreation area located downstream of Tuttle Creek Dam. It includes the River Pond and Rocky Ford campgrounds, cabin rentals, picnic shelters, swim beach, canoe rentals, disc golf course and other recreational amenities.

This road closure is necessary as work continues on the Tuttle Creek Dam Safety Assurance Program. This project involves large construction equipment and heavy truck traffic adjoining the park. The detour is necessary to ensure safe working conditions and public park use on and around the dam. The detour is expected to be in place for the duration of this project, which is estimated to be complete in the 2009 to 2010 time frame.

For more information, contact the Corps of Engineers at (785) 539-8511.